Ravenna Emilia Romagna And San Marino, Italy Travel Guide
Emilia-Romagna is celebrated for its gastronomic excellence. Ravenna's cuisine forms a part of this heritage. It combines rich, savory flavors from inland Emilia with fresher, seafood-focused dishes from the Romagna coast.
This blend results in a diverse and satisfying culinary landscape. A strong tradition of Pasta fresca (handmade fresh pasta) defines the region's approach to food. Meals here emphasize fresh, local ingredients, reflecting the fertile agricultural land.
The region is famous for fresh egg pasta in various shapes: tagliatelle, cappelletti, passatelli, and tortellini. Pork products feature prominently, including prosciutto, salumi, and mortadella. Beef, rabbit, and pigeon are also used.
Parmigiano Reggiano is a staple. Squacquerone, a fresh, soft, tangy cheese, is a local specialty, often paired with piadina. Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is a prized condiment.
Olive oil from the region is a common cooking fat and dressing. Given Ravenna's proximity to the Adriatic coast, fresh fish and seafood are readily available and feature in many dishes.
Small, ring-shaped pasta, similar to tortellini but often larger, typically stuffed with a mix of meats or cheese. Served with a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce known as Ragù.
Find this essential traditional pasta dish in almost every traditional trattoria.
A unique and rustic pasta. These thick, worm-shaped strands are made from breadcrumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, eggs, and nutmeg. Traditionally served in a clear, flavorful broth.
Many local restaurants feature this, especially in cooler months, for a comforting experience.
The quintessential flatbread of Romagna. This thin, unleavened flatbread is cooked on a griddle and then folded and filled. Common fillings include cured meats, squacquerone cheese, and arugula.
Find piadina at dedicated Piadinerie or street food stalls throughout the city for a quick, fresh meal.
Sangiovese di Romagna: A dry, often fruity red wine. Trebbiano di Romagna: A light, crisp white wine. Albana di Romagna: Italy’s first white wine to achieve DOCG status, can be dry or sweet.
Gelato: Italian ice cream, many artisanal gelaterias. Ciambella Romagnola: A simple, ring-shaped cake, for breakfast or with coffee. Zuppa Inglese: A classic Italian dessert.
Osteria del Tempo Perso is known for its refined interpretation of traditional Romagnol cuisine. Ca' de Vèn, in a historic building near Piazza del Popolo, has a grand setting and traditional dishes.
Trattoria La Rustica is a classic Romagnol trattoria, popular for handmade pasta. Radicchio Verde stands out for creative vegetarian and vegan options. Ristorante Pizzeria Babaleus is a good choice for pizza and seafood.
Numerous Piadinerie throughout the city center specialize in piadina for quick, fresh, and cheap meals. Pizza al Taglio (pizza by the slice) is another convenient and affordable option.
This modern food hall is a lively spot. It features various stalls selling high-quality local specialties, fresh produce, deli counters, and prepared foods.
A great place to sample different items and observe local life, with seating available.
An outdoor market operates here on specific days (typically Tuesday and Saturday). It sells fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, and other regional products.
A good place to experience the local pace.
Ravenna’s culinary scene heavily emphasizes local Romagnol cuisine, with limited international options.
The variety is smaller than larger cities, but you might find some Asian, Middle Eastern, or other European restaurants on the outskirts.
Embrace the opportunity to explore Romagnol dishes for a richer cultural immersion.
Verify restaurant types and reviews online before visiting.
Always communicate your dietary needs clearly: "Sono celiaco/a" (I am celiac). Be explicit about cross-contamination concerns for severe allergies.
Learn Italian phrases to explain your restrictions.
Use apps like "Find Me Gluten Free" to locate restaurants with certified gluten-free options. "HappyCow" helps find vegetarian and vegan eateries.
A phrasebook or Translation app with dietary phrases assists communication.
This delivers a practical and enjoyable way to learn.
Guided food tours explore local markets, artisan food producers, and introduce participants to traditional eateries. Many agriturismi offer farm tours to see how local produce is made.
The mosaics of Ravenna offer a vivid glimpse into the power and religious fervor of the Byzantine Empire. They are prime examples of early Christian art, with stunning detail and historical depth.
A combined ticket is highly recommended for visiting the five main UNESCO mosaic sites. The full price is approximately €12.50. The ticket has validity over several days for flexible exploration.
General hours are typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (winter) or 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (summer), but hours vary by individual site and can change for religious services. Always check official websites for current information.
Mosaics are best viewed in good natural light. Mausoleo di Galla Placidia is designed for a dim, mystical ambiance. Flash photography is generally prohibited to protect delicate artworks.
Tripods may also be restricted in some venues. Use low-light settings on your camera.
To avoid peak crowds, especially during high season (summer) and on weekends, visit sites early in the morning (right at opening, 9:00 AM) or late in the afternoon (after 4:00 PM).
The Mausoleo di Galla Placidia can develop a queue due to its small size; patience is needed.
Housed in the former monastery cloister of San Vitale, this museum displays Roman and Byzantine artifacts. Highlights include detached mosaics, sculptures, and archaeological finds.
This museum focuses on modern and contemporary art, but also has ancient and medieval art. MAR regularly hosts important temporary exhibitions.
Dedicated specifically to the art of mosaic, from ancient times to contemporary interpretations. It features interactive exhibits and demonstrations of mosaic techniques.
Other cultural venues deepen your understanding of Ravenna's art and history.
